Victim 'didn't warrant' violent death

A man who was found murdered in south Auckland on Friday was living a normal, routine and quiet life and did not warrant a violent death, police have said.

The body of the 55-year-old man - who an autopsy revealed died of head injures - was discovered by his flatmate in a converted garage at 217 Great South Rd, Manurewa about 10 am.

Counties Manukau police have launched a homicide inquiry and are currently carrying out a forensic examination of the garage where they believe the man was killed.

They are also in the process of gathering information from local residents and those in the wider community. And while police say they have had a great response from the public already they are still calling for anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible.

"Police say that their investigations so far indicate that there is nothing that warrants this innocent member of the community having to suffer such a violent death," police spokesperson Kevin Loughlin today said.

The dead man is yet to be named, however, it is believed he has family in the United Kingdom and efforts to contact the next-of-kin are currently under way.

Police are appealing for people who live in the vicinity and who may have seen any suspicious behaviour on Thursday or Friday morning to call police on (09) 261 1300 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.